Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Pennsylvania

State

Carry allowed with Pennsylvania permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: July 8, 2024

Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state that requires a permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to residents and non-residents who meet certain qualifications. Pennsylvania recognizes concealed carry permits from 29 other U.S. states.

To qualify for a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old; be a resident of the county in which you’re applying for at least 90 days; be of good moral character with a reputation that does not indicate you will behave in a way that will compromise public safety; be of sound mind; and meet all federal requirements. There are also certain factors that can disqualify you from obtaining a Pennsylvania carry permit.

Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania without a permit for those over the age of 18 and legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, a license is required to open carry in a vehicle or within the city of Philadelphia. 

To learn more about Pennsylvania CCW requirements, review state laws here or visit the Philadelphia Police Department’s website

*Disclaimer: This PA concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall-issue

Constitutional Carry

No

Open Carry

Yes

Nonresident Permits

Yes

Enhanced Permits

No

Concealed Carry Age

21

Permit Valid

5 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

Yes, rifles and shotguns.

Reciprocating States

32

States Honored

29

Duty to Inform

No

Castle Doctrine

Yes

Stand Your Ground

Yes

Issuing Agency

County sheriff’s office

Pennsylvania Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States’ Permits Does Pennsylvania Honor? 

Pennsylvania recognizes concealed carry permits issued by 29 U.S. states

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

What States Honor a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states honor PA concealed carry permits. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer PA CCW reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska*
  • Arizona*
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado*
  • Florida*
  • Georgia*
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa*
  • Kansas*
  • Kentucky*
  • Louisiana
  • Maine*
  • Michigan*
  • Mississippi*
  • Missouri*
  • Montana
  • Nebraska*
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio*
  • Oklahoma*
  • South Carolina*
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee*
  • Texas*
  • Utah*
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia*
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming*

Is a Concealed Carry Permit Required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Concealed carry is only permitted in Pennsylvania for those who have a license to do so.

What Are the Requirements for a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain a Pennsylvania CCW license, you must meet certain eligibility requirements

  • Be at least 21 years old. 

  • Be a resident of the county in which you’re applying for at least 90 days.

  • Be of good moral character with a reputation that indicates you will not act in a way that will endanger the public. 

  • Be of sound mind.

  • Meet all federal requirements. 

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Pennsylvania carry permit:  

  • A criminal history involving controlled substances within the past 10 years.

  • Having ever been committed to a mental institution. 

  • A drug addiction. 

  • Habitual alcohol abuse. 

  • A conviction of a crime punishable by over one year of imprisonment. 

  • Being an undocumented alien. 

  • A dishonorable military discharge. 

  • Being a fugitive from justice. 

For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Pennsylvania, read the laws and regulations here

Where Can I NOT Carry a Concealed Weapon in PA?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Pennsylvania, including school property; courthouses; correctional facilities; mental hospitals; some government buildings; some public places such as One Penn Center, 2601 North Third Street, and Harrisburg; buildings and parks owned by the city of Philadelphia; airports; and anywhere it is federally prohibited.

*Please note that some municipalities, such as Philadelphia, may have different rules and regulations regarding open and concealed carry. Be sure to check before you go!

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but only if you have a valid concealed carry permit from a state that Pennsylvania has reciprocity with, or with a non-resident permit. Pennsylvania offers non-resident permits to anyone with a valid CCW permit from their home state. 

Is Pennsylvania an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, open carry is legal for anyone at least 18 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in Pennsylvania. That said, you will need a license to open carry in a vehicle or in the city of Philadelphia. 

Where Can I Learn More About PA Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the Philadelphia Police Department’s website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in PA and to learn more about how to apply for a Pennsylvania license to carry. For the official laws regarding Pennsylvania concealed carry permit reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here

This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.